Although I’ve been living in The Pioneer Valley since May of 2019, I still find myself getting acclimated to my new(ish) community and surroundings. There are so many performance spaces/venues, art galleries, museums, restaurants, shops and oddities to discover around every corner- and I thought that every once in a while it would be fun to designate a post about some of my favorites here on the blog.
Hence, “Local Loves” is born.
I’m fortunate enough to live within short walking and driving distances from so many of those aforementioned very cool and very unique places – and while I’d love nothing more than to kick off this series with something profound, artistic, and never-been-seen-before – sometimes I just like to write about eating a big bag of buttery popcorn by myself and watching a movie in a comfortable seat within a historic building for under $10.
That’s where The Garden comes in.
Opened in 1929, The Garden has been family owned and operated ever since- and has seen it’s fair share of changes over ninety years- including being added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 80s. They host contests, special screenings/events, and actively contribute to the community with various incentives and activities.
It was taken over by new management in late 2019, shortly after I ventured inside the building for the very first time to catch an afternoon screening of “It: Chapter 2” (they show both new and classic movies!) for a couple of dollars. The new management spruced up the interior and fixed the lovely marquee out front- which is one of my favorite things to see when I’m walking back to my apartment at night.
I found myself at The Garden the other night on a bit of a solo “me” date- where I caught a screening of ‘Uncut Gems’ (such an excellent but super stressful movie, by the way!) and snacked to my heart’s content. I love going to the movies on weeknights, since there’s rarely ever a crowd- and the prices are so low that I don’t feel guilty treating myself every once in a while.
I also took some lovely photos of the exterior and interior/concession stand area- in black and white since the entrance way looks like something straight out of a classic noir film. You can see for yourselves in the pictures!
But truly, if you ever find yourself with an afternoon off in Greenfield- catch a movie there. You won’t regret it. I know I never do.
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 